USC's First Lady

Mrs. Patricia Moore-Pastides joined CRE for an event hosted by St. Martin de Porres.

Student volunteers

These student volunteers are just a few who have helped hand out more than 116,000
free books throughout the years.

Cocky immortalized on the horseshoe

Among the many reasons Cocky is worth honoring . . . the significant role he takes
on in the literacy battle in the state.

Cocky's Reading Express

The Cocky's Reading Express™ literacy program features the Carolina mascot and USC
student volunteers who travel the state in their own bus, visiting elementary schools
and reading to students.

What We Do

Cocky's Reading Express™ is the University of South Carolina’s literacy outreach program. USC students travel
the state with their friend, Cocky, visiting elementary schools across South Carolina.
The students read to the children, and Cocky helps the children understand the importance
of life-long reading.

The program primarily serves students in 4K through second grade because research
shows that if children acquire strong reading skills and a love of reading by the
end of second grade they are more likely to succeed academically and graduate on time.
Our priority is reaching students in under served public schools.

All the children are given a book to take home, a reminder of their visit from Cocky
and the USC students. The USC students know they are making reading fun — one Gamecock
at a time.

Volunteers

Volunteer opportunities are available throughout the year. Join us for a couple of
hours or an entire day. It’s up to you! Email Christine Shelek for more details: christineshelek@sc.edu